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With the pros then taking part in a challenging 125-mile route through London and Surrey for the Classic race later in the day.

The atmosphere was hailed as fantastic by spectators as the 100 sportive riders headed off from the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park at 5.45am before heading past some of the capital's most iconic landmarks, towards Surrey and ending at the Mall.

The 46-mile sportive was introduced in 2016 and follows the same route as the RideLondon 100 for the first 27 miles, before heading to a new route which links up with the last 17 miles through London to finish in The Mall.

Despite of this, it was an enjoyable event as always, no more than for two-year-old Jamie who was given a tour of a police patrol car as cyclists whizzed past in Esher.

We take a look back at the day's event as the cyclists made their way through the county and beyond.

Leatherhead

Riders steamed through the 75-mile mark in Leatherhead, where they were greeted by an army of dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers, mechanics and a St John Ambulance crew.

Bikeworks mechanics, Jim, Jack, Luke and Alisdaire have supported the event with their nifty repair skills for the past three years and were there to help any unlucky cyclists, the first of which descended into the town at around 8.35am.

Mechanics Lewis, Jack, Alasdaire and Jim from Bikeworks in Leatherhead to help cyclists (Image: @isabel_dobinson)

Jim, who has been mending bikes since he was 13-years-old told Get Surrey: “ We are expecting a lot of punctures because it has been rainy over the past few days.

“You get people who are really into their cycling but you also have a lot of people taking part for charity and who don’t tend maintain their bikes.”

He added: “It’s a great event and it’s nice to support it.”

Jonathan from Manchester was one unfortunate cyclist who came to the team for help but he refused to let his cycling woes get him down.

He said: “I have had four punctures already, which has really set me back.

“It’s a shame but it’s a beautiful day and a great event to be a part of.”

Around the corner, were volunteers fuelling participants with a range of energy boosting snacks, including bananas, energy jelly bars and dubious tasting chocolate caffeine ‘shots’ - tried and tested by Get Surrey reporter Isabel Dobinson.

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Volunteer, Helen from Horsham said: “I helped here last year and it is great to support these events.

“As a runner, I know how much effort is needed by volunteers and it is great to give something back to the community.”

Two cyclists who benefited from the huge batch of energy boosting treats were Russell and Andrew from Essex.

The pair were spotted resting their tired legs and guzzling some water but all they could see at the finish line was a “cold pint from Wetherspoons.”

Russell, a retired professional cyclist told Get Surrey: “We’re feeling good, the hard bit is done and once we cross that finishing line we are going to find the nearest Wetherspoons.”

Wimbledon and West Byfleet

Get Surrey reporter Chris McKeon was stationed at Wimbledon for most of the day and he remarked Wimbledon Hill "is the one they don't tell you about."

Back at the start, where the riders enter Surrey, it was all pretty flat. As the first riders stormed through West Byfleet, the sun broke through the clouds and a brass band played Eye of the Tiger and Don't Stop Me Now.

Aerial view from a pub in Wimbledon provides the best outlook onto the riders below (Image: Chris McKeon)

Another 50 miles down the course, having conquered Leith Hill and Box Hill, any first-timers would have been expecting a cruise to the finish, but the RideLondon course has a sting in the tail, a sudden steep climb up to Wimbledon Village.

Some riders slowed to a crawl, others groaned and grunted. A few got off their bikes and walked, completely shattered by the course.

At least from there it was all downhill, as 76-year-old Bob Manning told those who stopped in at the water point in the village.

With only 10 miles to go, the riders had come a long way, on road bikes, hand-bikes, tandems and even fold-up Bromptons.

Some had come further than others. Mark from California had come 6,000 miles for this (although most of it had been by plane).

He said: "The locals have been amazing, the crowd are amazing. The energy they give you helps you keep going, and that's how I've got this far."

At the bottom of the hill there was a street party where spectators could take on a static bike challenge, racing just 250m, one circuit of the Olympic velodrome. It was more appealing than the hill.

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On the ascent, riders were cheered and clapped by hundreds of spectators, who managed to dodge the few showers.

One couple from Oxfordshire said: "We've seen it on TV before and we thought it would be a good opportunity to come and watch it live.

"Over 100,000 riders coming through and the atmosphere is fantastic."

Newlands Corner

Thousands of cycling enthusiasts stopped by Newlands Corner to, as one of the volunteer air cadets jokingly said, "get a cheeky little bite to eat", check their bikes and have a quick drink before continuing their journey towards the finish line.

But Ride London's hub at the popular beauty spot was much more than just a "quick" stop along the route. The views were breathtaking - giving exhausted riders the opportunity to recharge the batteries while overlooking one of the most exceptional landscapes in the county.

Stunning views from Newlands Corner (Image: Catarina Demony)

The first riders, who arrived at around 7am, were welcomed not only by spectacular views but also by dozens of smiley volunteers who worked tirelessly to make sure the event ran smoothly for all involved, including the hundreds of family members who patiently waited for their loved ones.

Proud families (and pets, lots of pets) could be spotted everywhere in the hub area of Newlands Corner.

One of the cuter spectators (Image: Catarina Demony)

Vicky Valentine, from Ash, came to support her dad who took on Ride London to celebrate his 60th birthday.

She told me: “This is his first ride but he ran lots of marathons in his 50s. It [Ride London] has been testing for everybody but it is great.”

Vicky’s dad, Keith, described the event as an “extra challenge to do”. He added: “It has been fun, lots of good people on the side of the road, no trouble, the weather has been kind, cyclists and everybody are great.”

As many other riders, Keith does not know if he is going to do Ride London again next year, but one thing is certain: Newlands Corner will be forever remembered as a stunning, jaw dropping location and - of course - as the perfect selfie spot.

Kingston

That sharp turn at Hampton Court Bridge is a thriller as well as a killer. The first batch of riders sailed through at 6.45am with King Henry the VIII former home acting as a scenic backdrop.

The sun eventually began to break through the dark clouds 15 minutes later and with that spectators took out their palm trees (inflatables not real ones)

Crowds were small at that time of the morning but it did not stop the gathering from shouting “sharp turn” as the riders approached the dreaded bend. One did crash into the barriers before he sailed off into the wind.

Cycling past John Lewis in Kingston town centre (Image: Shona Duthie)

Alison Moore was there cheering on her partner, Andrew Plumb, who was taking part in Ride London for the fourth time. As he came down he bellowed over to her “its me” as he continued on to endure the 100 mile course.

Meandering their way through Walton, West Byfleet and then conquering the Surrey Hills they then approached Kingston High Street.

A drummer had set up on the corner and started blasting out 500 miles by The Proclaimers, Elton John’s I’m Still Standing before bringing it to present day with Justin Bieber (who doesn’t like a bit of Bieber when you have hit the 85 mile mark?)

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From there they could stop at a hub with 14 miles to go where IT worker Kevin Doswell, who was counting the bikes as they came in for their rest stop, spoke very fondly of the race and the benefits it brings to the community and Surrey.

Dorking

Thousands of riders swept through Dorking, cheered on by residents, marshals and family members as they took part in the fifth RideLondon event.

Under grey skies the first of the 25,000 riders taking part in the RideLondon Surrey 100 entered the town at around 8am with a steady stream expected for the next few hours.

Ride London 2017 Dorking (Image: Steve Gillett / Live Pix)

Lindsey Evans, 41, of South Terrace, Dorking brought her son Sam, 4, who said that he had just learnt to ride his own bike without stabilisers, along to watch the riders come through town and said that she believed the ride is something the town should get behind.

She said: "We are not supporting anyone in particular I just thought it would be a nice exciting thing for Sam to come along and watch.

"I thought we should come out and support. There are always people grumbling about all the roads being closed but I think RideLondon is really positive for the town.

"People are always so desperate to try and get away when the ride is on. We are trapped in Dorking anyway so it is good to come down, support the riders and be positive about it."

Lindsey Evans with her son Sam, 4

On West Street riders had to be cautious of a particularly nasty pothole which, despite being well highlighted by marshals, more than one rider was forced to bunny hop over at the last moment.